Lies, Disease and Love....Oh my!

This week’s reading was the Astonishing life of Octavian Nothing by author M.T. Anderson. Now I must admit, I myself was a little hesitant to read this novel for several reasons. Some reasons being the length and the title itself. Initially, this novel did not seem appealing, yet after not only being required to read it, I found myself becoming so engaged, I completed the entire 351 page reading in one sitting!

Many times advertisements refer to the new exciting "IN" book as a page turner or as beautifully written. Yet these are exactly the adjectives I would use to describe this novel. Volume I of II, beings by laying the foundation of an awful situation, which causes the reader to ask because of its realistic qualities and literary style to appeal to the readers emotions, of how someone can perform such task. At times I prefer to stray from summary based, but I feel a quick overview is in order. Slaves in America are an important part of American history. Yet the treatment of not only slaves, yet lower class people in general for the sake of science and philosophy causes many readers stomach's to turn and mindsets to wonder.

The question at: Do African slaves have the capabilities and mental capacities to grasp knowledge and ultimately be on the same playing field as white/Europeans? Important questions, of course! Although the intent may have begun innocently, to solve this age old question of intelligence, the methods behind their experiments were mean, cruel and unethical according to the 21st century’s standards. Or so I thought initially. Octavian is a young African slave, which experiences the good life. From the best professors of languages, mathematics, philosophy, music and the list can go on and on. In addition to the best clothes and adequate food. This seems perfectly normal at first glance; however Octavian's existence is nothing more than an experiment. Every detail of Octavian’s life is recorded and studied. From recording conversations, what he ingested at meal times and even the weighing of his excrement! He is told how to act, speak and he must abide by these strict rules or else. At first this is unknown to young Octavian, yet when it does become known, he acts very maturely and tries his best to prove this to be true and make himself and mother proud of his accomplishments. His mother is also aware of the studies and living in the same environment. Bought for the right price during a vulnerable time in her life, his mother accepts these harsh terms for herself and her son. Although she is also studied, it is from a different perspective, a lustful, perverted and selfish view from the observers. The only person Octavian can trust is his mother whom he loves dearly. Then things go sour after the planned outbreak of the Pox disease on the inhabitants, (also another experiment) causing many to die., and finally Octavian flea’s for the sake of his love for himself , his deceased mother and the quest for truth!

Although the experiments performed on humans such as electrical socking and even drowning may seem wrong and barbaric, these types of experiments happen daily on humans and animals! When is enough, enough for the sake of science and technological advances? Although an eye for an eye seems to serve justice, is human torture (which also takes place daily) around the world justified? Similar to Octavian, we must escape our surrounding of harmful experiments, and look at each individual living organism for sentient (ability to perceive sensation/feeling) and finally say No to the harmful antics of science. As humankind we must too, stand up for love as Octavian did, not only love for ourselves and family members, but love for every living thing!

The real Super human Lit....YA

Those that know better, do better right? In most cases yes! However we still have the select few that choose to do otherwise. In our Democratic society we call America, we are held accountable for our actions or lack there of. Although our society is ran by Adults in high positions in our government, the real lawmakers or future law makers are the youth.

With this is mind it should be our first priority to lead and shape the adolescents in our society to mold them into productive valuable members of our society. One could then argue that this is true yet how can one go about doing so? Through YA literature of course. This new fun and familiar,yet unknown category is the answer. Librarians across the nation(in my opinion) gave birth to this genre of literature. Whereas, the audience targeted are young adults ranging from 12-18 years of age. Through my experience with YA literature(unknown the actual genre) is very useful at this age. By the word choice, themes and topics discussed, YA literature teaching life lasting lessons. Books such as the Hatchet by Gary Pulsen helped me cope and learn about my own parents divorce, which i will always remember thinking "if this kid can overcome this, while being deserted in the wilderness alone, so can I! Books in this genre are very helpful and useful tools to help educate and familiarize adolescents with "real world" problems and complexities.

Although many genres can produce similar feeling, YA Lit produces a journey through the readers(typically same age) eyes and causes a transformation of wisdom, experience and insight unknown to the reader before. This genre however isn't as clear cut and well defined as i may possibly allude. As a result of its discovery, this genre is constantly changing. Because of the times, issues of the youth as well as the readers interest.

And the Winner is...Everyone!!!

In today's society, many people would argue that daily life has become a dog-eat-dog world. While others would argue that it has always been this matter. Yet, just because it’s widely accepted, doesn't indicate that it should continue to be. Many universal themes throughout dystopian novels deal with the majority of a society expectance of appalling treatment slightly higher to animals!

In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Collins gives a unique perspective of this struggle with a dystopian government, laws and an unlikely heroin. Through gender and age barriers, main character Katniss Everdeen plays her governments modern day Gladiators where only one winner shall not only win fame and fortune by win her life! Without giving too much of the book away, Katniss, goes through similar process in which many adolescents can agree with. Similar to Katniss, many other teenagers across the world have un traditional families in which by nature they are forced to take the role as the bread winner and un selfishly provide for their siblings and at times there entire family. Where in life or death situations morals are placed aside to survive. Which then leads me to my question of our own society? Would I say we live in a dystopian society?
After reading many dystopian novels, I have now begun to look at the world from a different perspective. One of my classmates made the distinction that a Utopian society is one that is a perfect, unknown, an unrealistic society that will never be. Contrary, a Dystopian society which is a culture that is the worst possible society that can exists, is realistic, brings out the worst in people simply a survival of the fit us world! My classmate concluded saying “we presently live in a dystopian world, because it is all around us". This concept was very difficult to grasp at first glance, yet after a deeper look its true (to an extent). Many corporate climbers can easily attest to my new stance on the world. Although, many societies have its flaws which can classify them as Dystopian, they all collectively make up the Ultimate evil societies our Dystopian World!